Williams’ Sargeant emerged with an intact chassis after a severe FP1 crash in Japan, despite significant damage to other parts, says James Vowles.
However, Vowles emphasized that other components sustained significant damage.
Sargeant crashed at turn 7 midway through the opening practice session after placing a tire on the grass.
This marks the second brutal crash for Williams in two weeks, following Alex Albon’s collision with the wall during the opening practice session in Australia.
Albon’s chassis damage from the Albert Park incident prompted the team to allocate Sargeant’s car to Albon for the remainder of the weekend.
Sargeant is driving with the repaired shell at Suzuka, but the crash raised concerns that it might have been damaged again.
Vowles confirmed this was not the case.
“The damage is quite extensive. The chassis is fine, fortunately. But I’d say almost everything else is not. So, the suspension, the gearbox have significant damage.”
When asked if Sargeant would make it back on track for FP2, Vowles added, “It’s going to be tough.”
“Of course, we’re doing our utmost to get the car back on track, but the damage is substantial, so it will take some time.”
Vowles denied that Sargeant’s crash was the result of him trying to prove something after being sidelined in Australia.
“It’s at the top of the hill there, he struggled to see where his position on the track was.”
“So, essentially, it seems like he didn’t really realize where he was with the grass on the outside and put a wheel on the grass.”
“What you saw here wasn’t a driver making a silly mistake because I don’t think he was pushing to the limit.”
“It’s a very different type of mistake, frustrating from all perspectives because it wasn’t at the limit of what the car could do.”
“There was much more potential in that turn, and he just didn’t know where the car was on the track relative to where he expected.”
“So, I don’t think you’re seeing the reaction of someone frustrated because he didn’t drive in Melbourne.”
Sargeant’s Chassis Survives Japan FP1. Sargeant’s Chassis Survives Japan FP1
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